Asphalt application systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An attachment apparatus for a distributor vehicle configured to apply asphalt onto a surface is provided. The attachment apparatus comprises a truss and a broom head attached to the truss. The broom head comprises a plurality of bristles. The attachment apparatus further comprises a drive assembly configured to shift the truss and the broom head between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the surface.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/967,413, filed on Jan. 29, 2020, and entitled “ASPHALT APPLICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” with the entirety of the above-identified provisional patent application being hereby incorporated by reference into the present non-provisional patent application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to asphalt distributor vehicles, distributor vehicle attachments, and methods of applying asphalt to a pavement surface.

BACKGROUND

Distributor vehicles can be used to apply asphalt (e.g., hot liquid asphalt cement or asphalt emulsion) to pavement surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, etc. The distributor vehicles often use a two-step, chip seal process to apply liquid asphalt and then an aggregate on top of the asphalt. Generally, the distributor vehicle will distribute asphalt onto the surface, and a separate vehicle will follow to distribute aggregate on top of the asphalt. However, this process requires passing over a surface at least twice, which increases time that a road or other surface is out of commission and increases labor costs. It also often leaves the surface looking like a gravel road with dust issues and loose aggregate that can break windshields.

Some additional asphalt application processes include a scrub seal process by which a trailer is connected to and follows a distributor vehicle. The trailer includes a means of s pressing the asphalt into the surface to fill cracks in the surface with the asphalt. Such a process may be referred to as scrub seal and may be an improvement to the chip seal process described above. However, the trailer following the distributor vehicle includes its own wheels, which roll through and can damage the asphalt while also accumulating the asphalt, thereby hindering the trailer's operation. Additionally, such previously-used trailers must be large and heavy enough to press the asphalt onto the surface, which makes the trailer unwieldy, especially when the distributor vehicle needs to reverse. The trailer is also prone to sliding off an edge of a surface, such as when negotiating a curve or slope.

The background discussion is intended to provide information related to the present invention which is not necessarily prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present technology relate to asphalt material distributor vehicles, distributor vehicle attachments, and methods of applying asphalt to a pavement. In one aspect, an attachment apparatus for a distributor vehicle configured to apply asphalt onto a surface is provided. The attachment apparatus comprises a truss and a broom head attached to the truss. The broom head comprises a plurality of bristles. The attachment apparatus further comprises a drive assembly configured to shift the truss and the broom head between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the surface.

In another aspect, a distributor vehicle configured to apply asphalt onto a surface is provided. The distributor vehicle comprises a wheeled chassis, a reservoir supported by the chassis, an applicator in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an attachment apparatus connected to the wheeled chassis. The reservoir is provided for storing asphalt, which is supplied to the applicator. The attachment apparatus includes a truss and a broom head attached to the truss. The broom head comprises a plurality of bristles. The attachment apparatus further comprises a drive assembly configured to shift the truss and the broom head between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the surface.

In another aspect, a method of applying asphalt to a surface is provided. The method includes lowering a truss of an attachment apparatus that is pivotally attached to the distributor vehicle, such that a broom head attached to the truss contacts the surface. An additional step includes emitting the asphalt onto the surface via a plurality of emitters in fluid communication with a reservoir on a distributor vehicle. A further step includes spreading the asphalt against the surface via a broom head. The broom head comprises a plurality of bristles.

Advantages of these and other embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the exemplary embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments described herein may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Figures described below depict various aspects of systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed system and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals. The present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the Figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary system for applying asphalt to a surface, with the system including a distributor vehicle and an attachment apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the attachment apparatus from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the attachment apparatus from FIGS. 1 and 2 being attached to the distributor vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the attachment apparatus from FIGS. 1-3 attached to the distributor vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachment apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, particularly illustrated without broom heads;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the attachment apparatus from FIG. 5, illustrating broom heads in broken line;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an attachment apparatus according to additional embodiments of the present invention in a lowered position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation a view of the attachment apparatus from FIG. 7 in a raised position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary attachment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevated perspective view of the attachment apparatus from FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the attachment apparatus from FIGS. 9 and 10, particularly illustrating emitters configured to be used by the attachment apparatus to apply asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture to a surface; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting a method of applying asphalt to a surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The Figures depict exemplary embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1 a system 8 for applying asphalt to a surface is illustrated and comprises an attachment apparatus 10 connected to a distributor vehicle 12. The attachment apparatus 10 is further depicted in FIGS. 2-6. In more detail, the attachment apparatus 10 may be configured as a broom or brush mechanism that is provided for attaching to the distributor vehicle 12, e.g., so as to follow behind the distributor vehicle 12. The distributor vehicle 12 may comprise generally any type of vehicle, such as a spreader truck, that is configured to apply asphalt to a surface (such as a road, pavement, or other paved surface). As such, the distributor vehicle 12 may include a wheeled chassis, a reservoir 13 for storing asphalt, and an applicator 14 in fluid communication with the reservoir 13 for applying the asphalt to the surface. The reservoir 13 may generally comprise a tank or other fluid holding container supported on the wheeled chassis, while the applicator 14 may comprise a distribution assembly with one or more nozzles or other mechanisms for emitting asphalt received from the reservoir 13 onto the surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the applicator 14 may be positioned at a backside of the vehicle 12, such that the applicator 14 may emit asphalt down onto a surface behind the vehicle 12 and the attachment assembly 10 can follow behind to spread and/or press the asphalt onto and/or into the surface.

Embodiments provide for the attachment apparatus 10 to be shiftable between a lowered position (as depicted in FIG. 7) and a raised position (as depicted in FIG. 8) and may be pivotably attached to the backside of the vehicle 12. As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment apparatus 10 may broadly comprise a truss 16, one or more broom heads 18, 20 attached to the truss 16, and one or more support arms 22, 24 attached to the truss 16 at one end and pivotably attached to the vehicle 12 at the other end. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the attachment apparatus 10 may further comprise a drive assembly 26 for raising and lowering the other components of the attachment apparatus 10 (e.g., via pivoting about the connection of the arms 22, 24 with the vehicle 12). As such, the attachment apparatus 10 is provided for pressing and/or spreading asphalt that has been deposited onto the surface, such as a road, parking lot, or the like, by the distributor vehicle 12 (e.g., via the applicator 14), as will be described in more detail below. Notably, the attachment apparatus 10 may be fully supported by the vehicle 12 (e.g., via the connection of the support arms 22, 24 to the vehicle 12). As such, in some embodiments, the attachment apparatus 10 may not have wheels or other components that directly support the attachment apparatus 10 on the surface.

The asphalt deposited by the distributor vehicle 12 may comprise asphalt emulsion or liquid asphalt cement. In some embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be configured to mix the asphalt with aggregate and to apply the mixture (i.e., the asphalt-aggregate mixture) to the surface via the applicator 14 (or via the attachment assembly 10 as described in additional embodiments detailed below). In preferred embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be configured to apply a mastic surface treatment, such as a mixture of liquid phase asphalt and an aggregate comprising particles of aggregate having an average particle size (e.g., as perhaps measured by the diameters of such particles) less than about 0.125 or less than about 0.0331 inches. For example, the asphalt-aggregate mixture may comprise Onyx® mastic surface treatment and/or HA5® high density mineral bond surface treatment. In sum, when the system 10 is configured to apply an asphalt-aggregate mixture onto the surface, the aggregate will preferably have a diameter of between 0.0331 and 0.25 inches, between 0.0331 and 0.125 inches, or less than about 0.125, or less than about 0.0331 inches. In contrast, when aggregate is applied separately from the asphalt, the aggregate will commonly have a diameter of between about 0.25 and 0.5 inches.

Returning to the attachment apparatus 10, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2, the truss 16 may be configured to support the one or more laterally extending broom heads 18, 20 (i.e., the broom heads 18, 20 extend generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the distributor vehicle 12). As such, the truss 16 may comprise a front elongated structure 28 (e.g., square/rectangular steel tubing or steel angle), a rear elongated structure 30 (e.g., square/rectangular steel tubing or steel angle), one or more cross beams 32 (e.g., square/rectangular steel tubing or steel angle), one or more flanges 34, one or more brackets 36, and an elongated brace 38. The elongated structures 28, 30 extend generally laterally and parallel with each other, so as to support the broom heads 18, 20 in a manner that positions the broom heads 18, 20 in a generally laterally-extending orientation behind the vehicle 12 (and particularly behind the applicator 14 of the vehicle 12). For example, the front elongated structure 28 may support the front broom head(s) 18, and the rear elongated structure 30 may support the rear broom heads 20. In some embodiments, ends of the truss 16 may be pivotable/rotatable so as to adjust the size of the attachment apparatus 10 as needed during transportation or for operational requirements. As illustrated in FIG. 5 for instance, a right end of the front and rear elongated structures 30 may be configured as a wing, which can be folded upward (via pivot connections), so as to reduce the lateral extent of the attachment apparatus 10. However, it should be understood that both the left and right side of the attachment apparatus 10 may be configured to be rotated/folded upward. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the ends of the truss 16 may be inwardly and outwardly slideable (e.g., telescopically) so as to adjust the size of the attachment apparatus 10 as needed during transportation or for operational requirements.

Although FIG. 2 only illustrates a single front broom head 18, in some embodiments, the front elongated structure 28 may support a plurality of front broom heads 18 (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more front broom heads 18). Similarly, although FIG. 2 illustrates four rear broom heads 20, in some embodiments, the rear elongated structure 30 may support any number of rear broom heads 20 (e.g., one, two, three, five, or more rear broom heads 20). The cross beams 32 provide additional support and are connected to and extend between the elongated structures 28, 30. Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the attachment apparatus 10 may include only a single broom element, such as a single broom head 18 (e.g., at a front of the truss 16) or a single broom head 20 (e.g., at a rear of the truss 16). The flanges 34 are connected to the elongated structures 28, 30 and extend generally upwardly and are pivotably connected to the arms 22, 24. In some alternative embodiments, the flanges 34 may be connected to the elongated structures 28, 30 and extend generally forwardly for connection to the arms 22, 24. The brackets 36 provide additional support for the truss 16 and are connected to the elongated structures 28, 30 and also extend upwardly to the brace 38. The brace 38 extends generally laterally above the truss 16, and helps stabilize the truss 16 when being lifted and lowered. The brace 38 may be connected the upper ends of the brackets 36 and flanges 34 (with the lower ends of the brackets 36 and flanges 34 being connected the upper portions of the elongated structures 28, 30 and/or the cross beams 32).

The broom heads 18, 20 may be configured to brush, sweep, spread, and/or compress the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture onto the surface as the vehicle 12 and attachment apparatus 10 move along the surface. The broom heads 18, 20 may, in some embodiments, generally extend generally laterally (i.e., perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle 12) and obliquely downward in a front/rear direction from the truss 16, as will be described in more detail below. However, in other embodiments, the broom heads 18, 20 may extend at an angle with respect to a lateral direction, such that the broom heads 18, 20 are not perpendicularly orientated with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle 12. For example, the broom heads 18, 20 may extend so as to form an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees, between 5 and 45 degrees, between 10 and 30 degrees with respect to a lateral direction. The broom heads 18, 20 may comprise brush assemblies with flexible bristles and/or may comprise flexible flanges configured to spread and/or compress the asphalt/aggregate onto/into the surface. In more detail, the brush assemblies may comprise a base into which a plurality of bristles may be set. The bristles may comprise strands of plastic, metal (e.g., steel), or other generally flexible material (e.g., hair). The flexible flanges may comprise elongated sections of squeegee, which may be formed from rubber, polyurethane, or other similar material.

In some embodiments, the broom heads 18 (which are positioned on a front of the attachment apparatus 10) may comprise brush assemblies while the broom heads 20 (which are positioned on a rear of the attachment apparatus 10) may comprise flexible flanges (e.g., rubber squeegees). However, various other configurations may be used, such as each the broom heads 18, 20 comprising brush assemblies or each comprising flexible flanges. Furthermore, although the figures illustrate the broom heads 18 comprising various numbers of brush assemblies and the broom heads 20 comprising a various numbers of flexible flanges, it should be understood that the attachment apparatus 10 may comprise broom heads 18, 20 with generally any number of brush assemblies and/or flexible flanges as may be required for specific operational requirements.

In some embodiments, the broom heads 18, 20 (e.g., the bristles thereof) may form a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the surface over which asphalt is being applied. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4, the broom heads 18, 20 (e.g., the bristles thereof) may form an angle with the surface that is greater than 5, 10, 20, 40, or 50 degrees and/or not more than 85, 80, 75, 70, or 65 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the broom heads 18, 20 (e.g., the bristles thereof) may form a generally perpendicular angle (e.g., 90 degree angle) with the surface. As such, when the broom heads 18, 20 are brought into contact with the surface, the broom heads 18, 20 are configured to help spread asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture across the surface and into any cracks and/or holes present in the surface.

The one or more arms 22, 24 connect the truss 16 to the vehicle 12 and allow the truss 16 to shift between the raised and lowered positions. The arms 22, 24 may be pivotally connected to the flanges 34 of the truss 16 and pivotally connected to the vehicle 12.

The drive assembly 26 is operable to shift the attachment apparatus, and particularly the truss 16 and broom heads 18, 20, between the raised and lowered positions. The drive assembly 26 may comprise an actuator, such as hydraulic cylinder, configured to engage (directly or indirectly) the arms 22, 24 and/or the truss 16 to shift the truss 16 and broom heads 18, 20, between the raised and lowered positions. As an alternative to a hydraulic cylinder, the drive assembly 26 may comprise an electric motor, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system, a winch, or the like. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the drive assembly 26 may comprise a boom 40, one or more links 42, and a hydraulic cylinder 44. The boom 40 may be attached to the vehicle 12 and extend over the truss 16. The links 42 may be connected to the boom 40 and to the truss 16, e.g., to the flanges 34 (or alternatively to the brace 38 or to the arms 22, 24). The hydraulic cylinder 44 may lift and lower the boom 40 vertically (via the pivot connection with the vehicle 12), thereby lifting and lowering the truss 16 and broom heads 18, 20. Regardless, the drive assembly 26 may be configured to raise and lower the truss 16 and broom heads 18, 20 any number of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition to vertical actuation, the attachment apparatus 10 may be configured to actuate laterally. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, an actuator 45 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) may be connected to the vehicle 12 and to the arms 22, 24 and configured to shift the truss 16 and broom heads 18, 20 laterally from side to side with respect to the rear end of the vehicle 12.

In use, the vehicle 12 drives over the surface while the applicator 14 emits the asphalt onto the surface. The truss 16 of the attachment apparatus 10 can be lowered via the drive assembly 26 so that the broom heads 18, 20 spread and/or compress the asphalt onto/into the surface. For example, the vehicle 12 may drive over the surface while the applicator 14 emits asphalt (e.g., asphalt emulsion and/or liquid asphalt cement) onto the surface. With the attachment apparatus 10 in the lowered position, the broom heads 18, 20 may spread the asphalt across the surface (including down into any cracks or crevices included in the surface). Such a process can be performed by the distributor vehicle 12 making a single pass over the surface.

In other embodiments, the distributor vehicle 12 may initially deposit asphalt onto a surface (e.g., via the applicator 14), and then another vehicle that specifically deposits aggregate may make a second pass over the surface while spreading aggregate on top of the asphalt. For example, the aggregate may have an average particle size of 0.25 to 0.5 inches. After the initial pass, the attachment apparatus 10 may be positioned in the lowered position such that the broom heads 18, 20 spread and/or compress the asphalt onto/into the surface. Thereafter, during the second pass, the vehicle 12 (or another vehicle that specifically deposits aggregate) may deposit aggregate onto the asphalt.

In further, preferred embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be configured to apply a mixture of asphalt and aggregate down onto the surface (e.g., via the applicator 14). With the attachment apparatus 10 in the lowered position, the broom heads 18, 20 may spread and/or compress the asphalt-aggregate mixture onto/into the surface. In such embodiments, the aggregate may have an average particle size of less than about 0.125 or less than about 0.0331. Therefore, the attachment apparatus 10 enables the distributor vehicle 12 to deposit a mixture of asphalt and aggregate onto a surface and to spread and press the mixture onto the surface via a single pass of the distributor vehicle 12. Notably, the use of broom heads 18, 20 in the form of brush assemblies may be configured to form textures into the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture that is applied to the surface. In particular, the bristles may form thin lines or depression into the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture so as to improve the macro texture of the surface. As a result, the surface may have improved macro texture (via the brush assemblies and the aggregate) to enhance friction characteristics of the surface.

An attachment apparatus 10A attached to a distributor vehicle 12A constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The attachment apparatus 10A may comprise substantially similar components as attachment apparatus 10; thus, the components of attachment apparatus 10A that correspond to similar components in attachment apparatus 10 have an ‘A’ appended to their reference numerals.

The attachment apparatus 10A includes all the features of attachment apparatus 10 and further includes a plurality of emitters 46A and a plurality of spaced apart broom barriers 48A. The emitters 46A are connected to and/or supported by the truss 16A (e.g., to the front elongated structure 28A) and are in fluid communication with the applicator 14A via conduits 50A. As such, the emitters 46A are operable to emit the asphalt and/or the asphalt-aggregate mixture onto the surface. Specifically, the emitters 46A may comprise nozzles that are directed down towards the surface directly below the attachment apparatus 10A. In such embodiments, the applicator 14A may not have its own nozzles, and may therefore act as a manifold for directing asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture to the emitters 46A. In some alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the emitters 46A may, instead, comprise openings of the conduits 50A located on distal ends of the conduits 50A. Regardless, the emitters 46A will direct asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture (received from the applicator 14A via the conduits 50A) onto the surface underneath the attachment apparatus 10A and between the longitudinally oriented broom barriers 48A (i.e., the broom barriers 48A extend generally parallel with a direction of travel of the distributor vehicle 12). In some embodiments, each pair of adjacent broom barriers 48A may include an emitter 46A therebetween for emitting asphalt and/or mixture onto the surface between the broom barriers 48A. However, the number of emitters 46A and/or broom barriers 48A may vary as necessary for particular operations. Furthermore, the emitters 46A may, in some embodiments, be positioned rearward of at least one of the broom heads 18A, such that the emitters 46A will direct asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture onto the surface at a position rearward of at least one of the broom heads 18A.

The barriers 48A may comprise brush assemblies (e.g., with bristles) or flexible flanges (e.g., rubber squeegees), as was previously described with respect to the broom heads 18, 20. As such, the broom barriers 48A and may assist in keeping the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture within the area between the barriers 48A so as to prevent the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture from spreading beyond the lateral sides of the attachment apparatus 10A. Such functionality may improve the ability to keep the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture on the surface especially when operating on a crowned road or a super elevated curve where the asphalt tends to run downhill into an adjacent ditch, curb, or other lane. As a result, the barriers 48A may improve uniformity of the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture application on the intended surface. The barriers 48A are spaced apart on the truss 16A and are attached generally perpendicular to the elongated structures 28A, 30A. The barriers 48A extend generally downwardly from the truss 16A so that their bottom surfaces are approximately flush with the bottom surfaces of the broom heads 18A, 20A. Such barriers 48 may be generally perpendicular to the surface on which asphalt is being applied. The attachment apparatus 10A may further comprise one or more arm braces 52A for providing additional support to the arms 22A, 24A.

In use, the vehicle 12 drives over the surface while the attachment apparatus 10A emits the asphalt onto the surface (with the truss 16 of the attachment apparatus 10A being lowered via the drive assembly 26 so that the broom heads 18, 20 spread and/or compress the asphalt onto/into the surface). For example, the vehicle 12 may drive over the surface while the emitters 46A of the attachment apparatus 10A emit asphalt (e.g., asphalt emulsion and/or liquid asphalt cement) onto the surface. With the attachment apparatus 10A in the lowered position, the broom heads 18, 20 may spread the asphalt across the surface (including down into any cracks or crevices included in the surface). Such a process can be performed by the distributor vehicle 12 making a single pass over the surface. Beneficially, the broom barriers 48A inhibit the asphalt from spreading beyond the lateral sides of the attachment apparatus 10A.

In other embodiments, the distributor vehicle 12 may initially deposit asphalt onto a surface (e.g., via the emitters 46A of the attachment apparatus 10A), and then another vehicle that specifically deposits aggregate may make a second pass over the surface while spreading aggregate on top of the asphalt. For example, the aggregate may have an average particle size of 0.25 to 0.5 inches. During the initial pass, the attachment apparatus 10A may be positioned in the lowered position such that the broom heads 18, 20 spread and/or compress the asphalt onto/into the surface. Thereafter, during the second pass, the vehicle 12 (or another vehicle that specifically deposits aggregate) may deposit aggregate onto the asphalt.

In further, preferred embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be configured to apply a mixture of asphalt and aggregate down onto the surface (e.g., via the emitters 46A of the attachment apparatus 10A). With the attachment apparatus 10A in the lowered position, the emitters 46A may emit the asphalt-aggregate mixture onto the surface, and the broom heads 18, 20 may spread and/or compress the asphalt-aggregate mixture onto/into the surface. In such embodiments, the aggregate may have an average particle size of less than about 0.125 or less than about 0.0331. Therefore, the attachment apparatus 10A enables the distributor vehicle 12 to deposit a mixture of asphalt and aggregate onto a surface and to spread and press the mixture onto the surface via a single pass of the distributor vehicle 12. Notably, the use of broom heads 18, 20 in the form of brush assemblies may be configured to form textures into the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture that applied to the surface. In particular, the bristles may form thin lines or depression into the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture so as to improve the macro texture of the surface. As a result, the surface may have improved macro texture (via the brush assemblies and the aggregate) to enhance friction characteristics of the surface. Furthermore, the broom barriers 48A inhibit the asphalt from spreading beyond the lateral sides of the attachment apparatus 10A.

The flow chart of FIG. 12 depicts the steps of an exemplary method 100 of applying asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture to a surface. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the various blocks may occur out of the order depicted in FIG. 12. For example, two blocks shown in succession in FIG. 12 may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order depending upon the functionality involved. In addition, some steps may be optional.

The method 100 is described below, for ease of reference, as being executed by exemplary devices and components introduced with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-11.

Referring to step 101, the attachment apparatus is lowered so that the broom heads contact the surface. The attachment apparatus may be lowered via the drive unit. For example, the hydraulic cylinder may actuate to lower the truss. The truss may pivot downwards and be pulled by the arms of the attachment apparatus, which are attached to the vehicle.

Referring to step 102, asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture is emitted onto the surface via the plurality of emitters in fluid communication with the reservoir on the distributor vehicle. The emitters may be located on the applicator of the vehicle and/or on the attachment apparatus. The asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture may be emitted generally downwardly toward the surface. This step 102 may include mixing the asphalt with aggregate by and/or within the vehicle.

Referring to step 103, the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture is spread and/or pressed against the surface via the one or more broom heads of the attachment apparatus. The bristles of the broom heads may be operable to push and/or pull the asphalt into cracks, holes, or the like. This step 103 may include maintaining the asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixture in the spaces or areas between the barriers of the attachment apparatus to more equally spread the asphalt and prevent the asphalt from spreading beyond the sides of the attachment apparatus.

Referring to step 104, the attachment apparatus is raised so that the brooms heads are above the surface. The attachment apparatus may be raised via the drive unit. For example, the hydraulic cylinder may actuate to raise the truss. The truss may pivot upwards and be suspended by the arms and boom above the surface to increase maneuverability. Also, lateral ends of the truss may be folded upward (e.g., like wing elements) or inwardly/outwardly slidable to aid with maneuverability of the vehicle with the attachment apparatus being coupled thereto.

The method 100 may include additional, less, or alternate steps and/or device(s), including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In addition to applying asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixtures, embodiments of the present invention may also provide for the asphalt and/or the asphalt-aggregate mixture to be combined with various other treatment materials and applied to the surface via the system 10. For example, a treatment material in the form of fibers (e.g., synthetic fibers, fiberglass, carbon fibers, etc.) may be mixed with the asphalt and/or the asphalt-aggregate mixture that is applied to the surface. Such combination of fibers and asphalt and/or fibers and asphalt-aggregate mixture may be emitted via the applicator 14 and/or the emitters 46A of the attachment apparatus 10A onto to the surface. The addition of fiber in pavement surface treatments can improve the tensile strength of the surface treatment, in order to improve durability and delay crack mitigation. In some embodiments, the fibers would be mixed with asphalt emulsion, and applied across the width of the pavement as the first step of a multi-step process.

In addition to mixing treatment materials with asphalt and/or asphalt-aggregate mixtures, embodiments provide for the system 10 to apply other treatment materials to the surface. For example, the applicator 14 and/or the emitters 46A of the attachment apparatus 10A may apply treatment material in the form of rejuvenators onto the surface. Rejuvenators are products (e.g., liquid products) configured to restore the ductility and flexibility of the asphalt binders on a molecular level to repair damage done by normal wear and tear and the elements extending the life of the pavement. Such rejuvenators may be applied by the applicator 14 and/or the emitters 46A by spraying onto an existing pavement. In addition, the applicator 14 and/or the emitters 46A of the attachment apparatus 10A may apply treatment material in the form of cementitious surface treatments onto the surface. Cementitious surface treatments may comprise a single-component, pre-blended overlay requiring only the addition of water. Cementitious surface treatments comprise a fast-hardening, high-strength coating designed to bond to existing asphalt and concrete surfaces, providing both corrosion and oxidation protection.

Given the description provided above, the present invention provides an attachment apparatus, an improved distribution vehicle, and an improved method of applying asphalt to a surface. Embodiments of the present invention overcome several of the disadvantages of previously-used systems. For example, an asphalt-aggregate mixture can be applied to a surface (including spreading and/or compressing the asphalt-aggregate mixture into the surface) in one pass of the system 10, decreasing the time the traveling public must deal with construction activities. The final surface is black, which is more appealing to the driving public than chip seal, and there is no loose aggregate or dust. Furthermore, the surface may be formed with surface macro-texture (due to the use of bristles and aggregate), which increase the frictional capabilities of the surface (e.g., the surface becomes less slick, which can increase safety of vehicle traffic).

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention contemplate that one or more broom heads 18, 20, such as brush assemblies comprising a plurality of bristles, may be used on other components of asphalt application systems. For example, some applicator vehicles may include spreader boxes that follow behind the vehicle and apply asphalt to surfaces. Such spreader boxes may include augers for spreading the asphalt about the area defined by the spreader boxes. Often, such spreader boxes commonly use rigid or flexible flanges on the backs and/or lateral sides of the spreader boxes to spread, compress, and/or smoothen the asphalt being applied to the surface. However, embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of brush assemblies comprising a plurality of bristles to spread, compress, and/or smoothen the asphalt being applied to the surface. The use of such brush assemblies permits the ability to form surface macro-textures onto the asphalt so as to enhance the frictional capabilities of the surface.

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Although the present application sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and equivalents. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. 

1. An attachment apparatus for an asphalt distributor vehicle configured to apply asphalt onto a surface, the attachment apparatus comprising: a truss; a broom head attached to said truss, wherein said broom head comprises a plurality of bristles; and a drive assembly configured to shift said truss and said broom head between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the surface.
 2. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said broom head is configured to extend laterally with respect to a direction of travel of the distributor vehicle.
 3. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bristles of said broom head are metal.
 4. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bristles of said broom head are plastic.
 5. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein when said broom head is in the lowered position, said broom head forms a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the surface.
 6. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein when said broom head is in the lowered position, said broom head forms a perpendicular angle with respect to the surface.
 7. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said broom head is a first broom head, wherein said attachment apparatus comprises a second broom head attached to said truss, wherein said second broom head comprises a flexible flange, and wherein said first broom head is positioned at a front end of said truss and said second broom head is positioned at a rear of said truss.
 8. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more arms having a first end pivotably attached to said truss and a second end configured to attach to the distributor vehicle.
 9. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
 10. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending barriers attached to said truss.
 11. The attachment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of asphalt emitters supported by said truss, wherein said asphalt emitters are configured to be fluidly connected to the distributor vehicle via conduits.
 12. The attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein said asphalt emitters are configured to emit a mixture of asphalt and aggregate onto the surface.
 13. A distributor vehicle configured to apply asphalt onto a surface comprising: a wheeled chassis; a reservoir supported by the chassis for storing the asphalt; an applicator in fluid communication with the reservoir; and an attachment apparatus connected to the wheeled chassis and comprising— a truss, a broom head attached to said truss, wherein said broom head comprises a plurality of bristles, and a drive assembly configured to shift said truss and said broom head between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the surface.
 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein said broom head is a first broom head, and wherein the bristles of said first broom head are metal, wherein said attachment apparatus comprises a second broom head, wherein said second broom head comprises a flexible flange, and wherein said first broom head is positioned at a front end of said truss and said second broom head is positioned at a rear of said truss.
 15. The vehicle of claim 13, further comprising one or more arms having a first end pivotably attached to said truss and a second end attached to said distributor vehicle, and wherein said drive assembly comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
 16. The vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending barriers attached to said truss, and further comprising a plurality of asphalt emitters supported by said truss, wherein said asphalt emitters are configured to be fluidly connected to the distributor vehicle via conduits.
 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein said asphalt emitters are configured to emit a mixture of asphalt and aggregate.
 18. A method of applying asphalt to a surface, the method comprising: lowering a truss of an attachment apparatus that is pivotally attached to the distributor vehicle, such that a broom head attached to the truss contacts the surface; emitting the asphalt onto the surface via a plurality of emitters in fluid communication with a reservoir on a distributor vehicle; and spreading the asphalt against the surface via the broom head, wherein the broom head comprises a plurality of bristles.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein upon said lowering step, said broom head forms a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the surface.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said emitting step includes emitting a mixture of asphalt and aggregate.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said aggregate comprises particles having an average particle size of less than 0.125 inches.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the broom head extends generally laterally, and wherein the truss includes a plurality of longitudinally extending barriers, and wherein the barriers are configured to maintain the asphalt inside a space defined by the plurality of barriers.
 23. The method of claim 18, further including the step of applying a treatment material onto the surface, wherein the treatment material is configured to (i) restore the ductility and flexibility of the surface, and/or (ii) provide oxidation protection of the surface. 